Vancouver assumes its name from that of the first European explorer to find it, the British naval captain? George Vancouver who landed in 1792. The precursor to the giant boom in forestry?, BC's predominant industry, Vancouver was first created as a sawmilling town called Granville in the 1870s. It was officially incorporated in 1886, and it was at that time that it was renamed to its current name.
Vancouver did not truly begin to blossom until the promises given to British Columbia by Sir John A. MacDonald's government were completed. The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 fully connected Vancouver to all of Canada and thus Vancouver was able to enjoy the benefits of access to Canadian markets. Additionally, as part of the agreement to join Confederation, British Columbia's debt of approximately $1,000,000 was paid in full by the Canadian government, creating additional business opportunities.